Decorating: 10 Tips to Help You Show Off Elegant Cornicing
Whether you have ornate carvings or the simplest neat coving, showcase period details with these inspirational ideas
The high ceilings and ornate cornicing of the Georgian and Victorian eras have an enduring appeal for many of us. While classic white may be the only decorating option for purists, there are many colours and techniques to consider when painting your property. If you’re not averse to a little tampering, your coving could even be utilised to house a clever lighting system or conceal curtain mechanisms. Take a look at these 10 tips for making the most of your home’s cornicing.
Tone down fussy designs
If you crave a modern, muted aesthetic, period detailing may not be your bag. The owners of this property have toned down their elaborate bow-detail moulding by painting it in the same off-white shade as the walls. When paired with contemporary furniture and dark floorboards, the space exudes designer style.
If you crave a modern, muted aesthetic, period detailing may not be your bag. The owners of this property have toned down their elaborate bow-detail moulding by painting it in the same off-white shade as the walls. When paired with contemporary furniture and dark floorboards, the space exudes designer style.
Try traditional techniques
The old ideas are sometimes the best. For a period look with broad appeal, paint your picture rail, upper wall and cornice in the same shade of white. Adding a darker colour to the lower wall will make large rooms with high ceilings feel more intimate.
The old ideas are sometimes the best. For a period look with broad appeal, paint your picture rail, upper wall and cornice in the same shade of white. Adding a darker colour to the lower wall will make large rooms with high ceilings feel more intimate.
Choose a natural hue
If you don’t want to stray too far from white, but want your cornicing to subtly stand out, consider cream or taupe. This charming kitchen retains a relaxed Victorian vibe thanks to freestanding furniture and cornicing that tones with the wooden butcher’s block and kitchen island.
If you don’t want to stray too far from white, but want your cornicing to subtly stand out, consider cream or taupe. This charming kitchen retains a relaxed Victorian vibe thanks to freestanding furniture and cornicing that tones with the wooden butcher’s block and kitchen island.
Keep it plain
When dressing your room in a bold mix of colours, patterns and textures, unify cornicing and woodwork by using one shade of white to provide an anchor for the more disparate elements. The overall look should be busy but balanced.
When dressing your room in a bold mix of colours, patterns and textures, unify cornicing and woodwork by using one shade of white to provide an anchor for the more disparate elements. The overall look should be busy but balanced.
Incorporate clever lighting
For period style with modern function, use your cornice to add atmospheric lighting. This dining room incorporates a sophisticated system of spotlights and a recessed ceiling with added uplighting – all ready to set the mood for an intimate dinner.
See how to add detail to a ceiling
For period style with modern function, use your cornice to add atmospheric lighting. This dining room incorporates a sophisticated system of spotlights and a recessed ceiling with added uplighting – all ready to set the mood for an intimate dinner.
See how to add detail to a ceiling
Be bold with black
A small space, such as a hallway, can accommodate a dark colour that might feel overpowering elsewhere. By painting the ceiling, cornice and walls the same shade, this hallway becomes cocoon-like, and adjoining reception rooms will feel bright and airy in contrast.
A small space, such as a hallway, can accommodate a dark colour that might feel overpowering elsewhere. By painting the ceiling, cornice and walls the same shade, this hallway becomes cocoon-like, and adjoining reception rooms will feel bright and airy in contrast.
Inject unexpected colour
We’re all familiar with the concept of a feature wall, but how about a feature ceiling? For those with bold taste, this bright red ceiling offsets an otherwise neutral bathroom and draws the eye upwards to admire the pristine cornicing. A matching roll-top bath invites more leisurely reflection.
Why white isn’t always right for your ceiling
We’re all familiar with the concept of a feature wall, but how about a feature ceiling? For those with bold taste, this bright red ceiling offsets an otherwise neutral bathroom and draws the eye upwards to admire the pristine cornicing. A matching roll-top bath invites more leisurely reflection.
Why white isn’t always right for your ceiling
Hide curtain mechanisms
Whatever the era of your property, consider this clever trick for hiding curtain rods and rings. By adding an extra piece of cornice along the window wall, a cavity is created in which the curtain mechanism is concealed. One for fans of streamlined design!
Whatever the era of your property, consider this clever trick for hiding curtain rods and rings. By adding an extra piece of cornice along the window wall, a cavity is created in which the curtain mechanism is concealed. One for fans of streamlined design!
Add warmth with cream
Brilliant white isn’t always the most flattering neutral to pair with pattern. Using a creamy tone for the cornice and ceiling in this bedroom prevents the duck-egg blue details from looking cold, and creates a soothing atmosphere that’s perfectly sleep-inducing.
TELL US…
Which of these looks do you like best? Share your thoughts in the Comments below.
Brilliant white isn’t always the most flattering neutral to pair with pattern. Using a creamy tone for the cornice and ceiling in this bedroom prevents the duck-egg blue details from looking cold, and creates a soothing atmosphere that’s perfectly sleep-inducing.
TELL US…
Which of these looks do you like best? Share your thoughts in the Comments below.
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While garish shades on coving may have limited appeal, pastel colours from the sludgy end of the spectrum can look both elegant and appropriate. This pale grey cornicing matches the ceiling rose, skirting and cabinet colours for a soothing, cohesive effect.